Feedback: Had my valve repaired!

[Smiley2000]

Hi there to you all.  I am back :)

Went in for Surgery, last Monday (31st) feels so much longer ago and sometimes it feels like it was yesterday!  I am so fortunate:  my Surgeon managed to REPAIR my valve (Annuloplasty).  It turns out that my own valve-ring had 2 holes in it - congenital?.  It also turned out that the "timing" for my surgery was perfect as the TEE done just before surgery revealed a 5-6 leak and I had congestive heart failure (water in die pericardium, etc) without anyone really realizing it.  I have lost 7kg's within 3 day of drinking a Deuretic.  I hardly recognize my own face and body!  For the first time in almost 2 years I don't have PAC's, PV's!  turns out that my slightly enlarged Atrium caused the PAC's.

I don't want to scare anyone, but this op is no joke!  No one can really prepare you for it... while they have you on Morphine you think you are okay and you only start mobilizing after day 5 when they remove the pipes and catheter, etc. in anyway... but then they take your strong meds away from you and I was given "Stopane" by my Surgeon as pain relief for the rest of the time.  Even if you are young and otherwise healthy you are soooooo weak and the pain is really terrible.  I had a 5-day stay in Cardiac ICU and was only discharged yesterday.  They removed the Ventilator a few hours after the op.  Even though my lungs are in perfect condition, never smoked before, no prior-lung infections - I had a low Sat. level and was on oxygen for about 7 days.  It was just to painful for me to walk a lot or to really breath properly.  My Cardio thought that I was in good hands and he only popped in on Saturday and when he heard what my pain-meds was (Stopane is like smarties!) he prescribed Voltaren and stronger pain meds.  Just getting dressed or walking to the loo or brushing teeth is a very tiring experience at this stage, but at least I am not in so much pain anymore.

I tried bathing yesterday when I got home and what a mission!  hubby had to pick my out of the bath - you can not push yourself up or anything.  So, as from now on, I'll only take showers.  I am going in tomorrow to get my stitches removed.  The "zip" doesn't look that bad.  Will only leave a thin scar.  I am just sooooooooooooo weak and it frustrates me that I can not do things for myself - my hospital-bags ares till unpacked and house untidy, but I have discovered that my feet can kick things closer :)

I am alone during the day.  Kids are at creche and hubby working.  but it is okay.  I am so tired I just want to sleep and don't feel like having people over at this stage.  My mom will come stay with us next week and I have a wonderful friend that comes in at night to help hubby with dinner, kids, etc.

I really had a horrible experience and I am sooooooooo thankful that it is over.  According to the Cardio there is a zero leak now and this valve should last me a lifetime and I should feel brand new, soon :)  and I don't have to drink Warfarin or any other kind of meds!  just the Deuretic and Betablocker for a while and then I am home free :)  Always something to be glad about.

Thank you for each and every thought, post, prayer.  I feel really blessed :)

[Me967]

So very very glad your home from having your surgery.  I have and will keep you in my prayers.  If you have any questions as to symtoms going on now, don't wait.  Call your Dr. please!  
I have not walked in your shoes, but, I sure do feel for you.  As far as the house work, that will always be around for a later time.  Just take care of you and don't worry about it!  Get your rest!  We all love ya.  

[Pointman]

Glad yuor operation was sucseful,may you heal soon.

Pontman

[ireneo]

Glad you're home now. Yes, you will be sore and tired for awhile, probably longer than you want. Don't get discouraged, please. It was a major surgery and your body needs the rest. I hope your family understands that as well and will be patient with you. You'll find ways to do the things you want without hurting too much. And you'll discover a little dust around the house never hurt anyone :-)  Glad to hear they repaired the valve instead of replacing it. For now, catch up on any books you want to read and make plans for all the things you've wanted to do before but couldn't. Talk to you later. . .

[kalani97]

Welcome back!!!  I'm soooo glad to hear everything went great... well except for the pain and other little things, but at least you didn't need a valve replacement which is awesome!!! .... Take it easy and think of your recovery as a vacation from doing things in the house :) ...  goodluck and always hope for the best!!!

PS... I like the way you describe things after your surgery... It's been a little while for me since I had my 3rd one...well 2002... I vaguely remember anything from each one....this'll help me a lot to go through my fourth one which will be next month... thanx!!!

[Momto3]

HI!!!  I've been waiting (not too patiently, I might add) for your post!!  I'm soo, soo happy to see you!!  I'm sorry that you didn't have such a good experience, but it's over and you're on your way to much brighter days!!  

Don't worry about doing anything but taking care of yourself.  You've been through quite an ordeal and it will take time to get back on your feet.  In the meantime, as you said, you can use your feet for other things...LOL.  Rest and post when you're feeling up to it.  

Connie

[vienna13]

Glad all went all right!! Happy for you and your family . It is normal you to be tired, just take your time; sleep and rest. Your body is smart, listen to it: let your family and the good friend do the work for a while they are happy to do it I am sure, visitors can wait to see you they all will get you back as a healthy person but now these are  your days to recover. My best.